Essential TaeKwon-Do Blackbelt Academies are affiliated to the International TaeKwon-Do Federation Vienna. We are  members of the British TaeKwon-Do Council  and also group members of United Kingdom Global TaeKwon Do.

Mr Barry Parsons VI (6th Degree) is the chief instructor and examiner of Essential TaeKwon-Do Blackbelt Academies. He began his training in martial arts in 1970 studying Shotokan Karate,  he  began his training in TaeKwon-Do in 1972, under Mr Roy Oldham 2nd Degree with the  UKTA. Mr Oldham is now Master Oldham VIII of the Golbal 

DID THEY MAKE IT? ... YES THEY DID !!!
At 15:25 on 19-08-2008 Thomas said...

 I am delighted to report that against all the odds, after 32 gruelling days Tom and Dave finally crossed the finish line in UB today, and even more amazing, the car made it too!!! Things were difficult right up to the very end – amongst other things, the axle had snapped again, and they had somehow attached a metal pole to hold it together, and the tracking had completely gone, meaning that they could only drive straight ahead with the steering wheel on full lock to one side!  They had driven non-stop (apart from break-downs) and they reached the finish line at about 6.00 pm (10.00 am UK time) wearing their evening suits (which for some reason was one of the few things which had not been stolen)!  Can’t wait to see the pics. They were obviously tired but elated, enjoying a celebratory beer, and intending to treat themselves to a posh hotel tonight.  Well done boys, you deserve it! Hopefully, they will be able to arrange a flight home as soon as possible, where they will be spoilt rotten! For those who have not been able to keep up with Tom & Dave’s progress, this is their journey from the messages we received, which should fill in the gaps on the website: 

Day 2  Car broken into in Amsterdam, and Tom’s bag, containing money, PDA, maps and directions, shaver, all chargers (including phone) , first aid, torches - in fact everything apart from clothes, was taken.  (On the bright side though he did still have his passport!) 

Day 3  In Hamburg and gearbox on car not sounding too good. 

Day 4 – Day 11  Gearbox getting worse each day and losing oil.  Despite this they crawl on, managing to drive to Stockholm, up to Arctic Circle and then down to Helsinki.  They are desperately trying to find a replacement gearbox and get the car repaired.  The trouble is that no-one seems to drive a VW Golf over there!  The convoy having gone on ahead they decide that they might just have to scrap the car and travel onwards by train.  (Unable to speak to them for long – battery is low on phone and charger had been stolen)   

Day 12 Found gearbox and mechanic and car being repaired.  Not ready until tomorrow, so after 4 nights in a row of sleeping on the side of the road they spend the night wandering the streets – they can’t afford an hotel after paying for the repairs! 

Day 13- Day 16   Car repaired, they cross the border into Russia and head for Moscow.  However, not having any maps or directions they end up on border with Belarus!  Continue across Russia, driving 36 hours without sleep.  Eventually catch up with other cars in convoy and head for Samara. 

Day 17 - 19  Still driving across Russia and reach Chelyabinsk.  They were stopped 5 times by the Russian Police.  The car is still running well.   

Day 20 – Day 21  In Kazahkstan.  Its really hot – even the wind is hot!  Had horse milk and meat – not great!  Most of the roads are bad, but the people are friendly. 

Day 22At the border with Russia.  Had an accident with one of the other rally cars.  The car looks a bit rough but it’s still running ok.  Had to bribe Kazak police $25 for no reason.  Desperate for a shower! 

Day 25 Cross border into Mongolia. The roads? are awful.  Had to climb a mountain in the cars.  Its tough, but they are glad to be there.

Day 29  No contact for 4 days but they are now in Altay. The convoy had gone on ahead so they are on their own.  They have had real problems with the car, including the rear axle snapping and the exhaust falling off.  They had also had more of their things stolen – including Tom’s tent, and even the fog lights after the car had broken down (again) and they had left it to go for help.  Tom is now also without his camera, which may have been stolen or it might have been lost when the car had rolled over on to its side!  (He never mentioned that at the time)!  They are really tired now but despite everything they are determined to cross the finish line in UB. 

Day 31  Tom says ...   We went on, but then the axle snapped again - in a completely different place!!  Couldn't believe it!  Took 7 hours but eventually a lorry stopped and the driver put a quick weld on it - in exchange for my bottle of vodka!  Despite everything, we're going to keep trying for UB.  We have a long drive ahead but would like to get there tomorrow - if the axle will hold for a few more hundred miles!  (Told Tom to keep buying plenty of vodka – sounds like they might need it)!_ _ _ _ _ 

Of course, I’m sure that there is lots, lots more which they haven’t had a chance, or haven’t dared tell us about yet.  So watch this space …